92nd General Assembly
Rep.
Marilyn Ruestman, a Republican, represents parts of McDonald and Newton counties
(District 131) in the Missouri House of Representatives. She was elected to the House in November
2002.
She
was elected treasurer of the freshman class of the 92nd General Assembly, president
of the Women Legislators of Missouri and was appointed to the Missouri Women’s
Council.
In
addition to her legislative duties, Rep. Ruestman is co-owner of Ruestman Construction/Real
Estate Development Company. The
Ruestman family has been in real estate development in the Joplin/Newton County
area since 1947. Prior to being elected she served as district coordinator for
U.S. Congressman Mel Hancock from 1989-96 and as district director for Missouri
State Senator Marvin Singleton.
Rep.
Ruestman attends First United Methodist Church. She served as the elected Republican state committeewoman for many
years. She has also served as president
or chairman of the following civic organizations: Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce; Soroptimist International of
Joplin; Metro Exchange
Club;
The Boys and Girls Club of Joplin; and Joplin Federated Republican Women.
A
recipient of the Woman of the Year from the Missouri Federated Republican Women,
Rep. Ruestman has also received the following awards: Woman of Distinction from Soroptimist International; Missouri
State Volunteer Project of the Year; and was a national winner for Students in
Free Enterprise competition. She is
also a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society.
A
graduate of Noel High School, Rep. Ruestman has received an associate of arts
degree, bachelor’s degree, and master’s degree.
Rep.
Ruestman lives in rural Newton County with her husband Richard. She has a daughter: Morgan, and two
stepchildren: Pam and Peter.